Method of waterproofing structures



Feb. 23, 1937. J, MCKAY l 2,071,758 METHODy oF wATERPRooFVING -sTnucTuRE's Filed April 19, 1935 2 Sneets-Sheet 1 Amig fo. I 1 v v i l INVENToR M llo/1N McfnY.

METHOD 'OF WATERPROOFG STRUCTURES Filed April 19, 1955 v 2- sheets-sheet 2 l INVENT'oR JoHN Mc if@ Y.

ATTORNEY @Aim Patente Fe. 223, i9?

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METHOD @F W'EERPRFWG 4 STRUQTURES .lohn McKay, Glenside, Pa.

Application April 19, 1935, Serial No. limit 1i Claims.

jecting a soap-type emulsion of plastic medium, I

such as asphalt or bituminous material, and a deemulsifying agent into a desired place where the emulsion is acted upon by the agent to secure agglomeratlon or coalescence of the plastic medium. The emulsion may be caused vto penetrate very small cracks, porous structures, between contacting surfaces, and the like, to secure agglomeration in situ. The emulsion and a suitable agent provide for agglomeration of the plastic medium into a semi-solid plastic mass, which may serve as a flexible filler, which will adhere to membranes and surfaces, which is inert, and which will not react on materials, such as iron or cement, but, on the contrary, will protect the latter.

My method of securing agglomeration of medium from an emulsion may be used in any situation where a filler or cover is desired. For ex,- ample, it may be used to repair a cracked or porous wall to render the latter impervious to water or water-proof, to fill voids between concrete and structural steel, to protect structural steel, to form water-proof layers in structures of various kinds, and to fill voids and interstices in any suitable formation.

The soap-type emulsion may be broken in place by any suitable electrolyte, such as sodium or potassium silicate; chlorides, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, or potassium; soluble sulphates, such as sodium, magnesium, and aluminum, and, or for that matter, any salt soluble in water and which, due either to chemical or physical action, will throw soap out of solution. The choice of .agent for this purpose is largely governed by circumstances. If the character of the region where it is desired to secure agglomeration is such that leakage is not too great, I prefer to use a deemulsifying agent, for example, sufliciently concentrated lcommercial silicate or water glass,

' which will not act so rapidly as to interfere with flow and good penetration, lling, covering, bonding and adhesion. On the other hand, if the region wherein agglomeration is to be eiected is of such a character that leakage of emulsion would occur, if a relatively slowly acting de-emulsifying agent is used, then a more rapidly acting agent, such as calcium chloride or aluminum sulphate, is employed, at least for the purpose of effecting a seal. In some cases, it may be desirable to incorporate a suitable inert and insoluble filler in the de-emulsiication agent for the plastic rnedium.

'I'he invention may be applied in a variety of ways. It may be used to waterproof, seal, or fill structures bf various kinds, such as walls, voids (Ci. 'l2-106) in concrete adjacent to structural steel, cracks in walls, or lspaces in masonry Walls, such as the spaces between vertical layers of a brick wall. Furthermore, the region to be treated may be an earth formation. In fact the invention is useful wherever it' is desired to effect agglomeratlon of plastic medium from a suitable emulsion.

Assuming a crack in a wall having an earth backing is to be filled or covered so as to be rendered water-proof, then openings are drilled from f the accessible side and emulsion and de-emulsifying agent are injected or pumped through the.

openings in such manner as to form an agglomerate permeating the 'said regionl adjacent to the crack and covering and llingthe latter. With injection openings formed at-each side of a crack, emulsion may be pumped in at one side and the de-emulsifying agent at the other-or both media may be injected or pumped at both sides. Emuision is preferably injected first to assure of agglomeration in intimate contact with the desired surface or in a desired place. Should a filling or backing structure be desired to lill open spaces or to prevent channelling by subsequent injections, after preliminary injection of emulsion, cement grout vor neat cement may 'be pumped in after which suitable injections of emulsion and deemulsifying agent may be made. If desired a ller, such as clay, silica iiour or anyinert or insoluble substance, may be used with 'the deemulsifying agent.

To facilitate an understanding1 of my invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application and in which:

Figs. l and 2 are diagrammatic views of a structure showing my method of repair applied there- Figs. 3 and 4 show other features of structures in connection with which the invention may be usefully employed;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line V'-V of Fig. 6 showing the invention applied in treatment of a masonry or brick wall; Y

Fig. 6 is a view taken on the line VI-VI of Fig. 5; and i Fig. 7 shows the invention applied to earth treatment.

Referring now to the drawings to give a clearerunderstanding of my process, in Figs. 1 and 2,I

a crack or opening I0 has developed in the Wall i i and it is desired to provide a plastic mass penetrating the adjacent dirt and covering the open- Y ing so as t'o restore or provide water-proofness and'which will be suiciently plastic to permit of expansion and contraction of the structure without reopening of the crack or opening. Accordingly, I provide an emulsion of a plastic medium, which, when agglcmerated, forms a filler closely bonding to the structure and having suiiicient plasticity to take care of expansion.

In Figs. 1 and 2, injection nipples `or short pipes I2 are shown in the openings drilled in the wall, the pipes or nipples preferably extending suillciently back of the wall so that media issuing from the lateral perforations I3 therein may penetrate the region adjacent to the crack. The nipples are provided with suitable closing means, for example, plug valves I4.

Injection pumps I6 and I1 are used to inject media through the nipples I2, the pumps having hose connections I8 and I9 for attachment to the nipples. The plug valves provide for closure of such nipples as are not, for the time being, connected to the pumps; and, in any event, it is preferred to have plug valves associated with the nipples connected to the pumps so that a single pump may be operated with all nipples, except the one to which it is connected, closed, whereby escape, through other nipples, of media being pumped is prevented.

Emulsion is first injected through all of the nipples or pipes followed by injection of deemulsifying agent to assure of a base of agglomerate adhering directly to desired surfaces, after which emulsion may be injected at one side and de-emulsifying agent at the other or emulsion and de-emulsifying agent may be pumped through alternate pipes at each side. If the condition of the region adjacent to the crack is such that leakage will not readily occur, then because ofbetter penetration and travel of media, I prefer to use a relatively slow actingde-emulsifying agent, such as sodium silicate. On lthe other hand, if Water flow back of the wall is gxcessive,

should the open nature or pervyiousnessf the soil be too great, or if leakage through the pe'r# ing or crack should be too rapid for satisfactory agglomeration'by means of sili'cate, then a quicker acting agent,wsuch as calcium chloride, is injected, preferably followed by injection of silicate and emulsion. Then again, depending upon circumstances, after preliminary injection of emulsion, it may be desirable to inject cement grout followed by silicate or the silicate;may include a suitable flller. In all cases, the essential feature is agglomeration or deposition of plastic medium from the emulsion to form a semi-plastic K body in the desired location.

After water-proofing in the above manner, the injection openings are preferably sealed, although in some cases the agglomerate may be effective for this purpose.

In Fig.. 3, I show two further applications of the invention, rst, to iiil the fillet space 20 in the upper corner ofan I-beam and included between the web 2| and top flange 22 and, second, to provide an asphalt layer between the fabric covering 23 and the top surface of the concrete base 24.

In building a concrete and steel structure, `it is very diflicult to ll a top corner space, such as the space 20 in Fig. 3, in consequence of which a void is left whichV may serve as a passage or space for water leaking thereinto, with the result that, not only may the steel be corroded, but such passage or space may contribute to the lack of waterproofness of the structure as a whole. Such space may'be filled by the use of my invention. For example, if the concrete is drilled so that a nipple 26 reaches the cornerspace 20, then the media may be injected to ll the space. If there should be any tendency to undue leakage, then a quick-acting de-emulsifying agent, such as calcium chloride or aluminum sulphate, may be used with an emulsion of asphalt to produce a seal or plug. whereupon subsequent injections of asphalt emulsion andde-emulsifying agent, such as'silicate, may be made lto secure the desired agglomeration. After depositing a plastic envelope adhering to the bounding surfaces of the fillet space, cement grout may be injected so as to fill the plastic envelope. j

Also, Fig. 3 showsthe invention used to waterproof the structure 24, particularly when the latter provides the base structure of a roof or roadway. The top surface of the structure 24, ordinarily has water-proof fabric or multiple-ply material 28 placed thereon, such material usually being impregnated with asphalt or bituminous material and laid in like material; and then, if a roadway is to be placed thereon, a layer 29 of concrete protection may be placed on the fabric 28, followed by a top or surface layer, 30 of asphalt. If a crack 3l should develop in the composite structure, water-proofness may be impaired; and location of the crack may be impossible, as shown. In'any case, the entrance adjacent to'the fabric is hidden. Hence, the` invention is so applied as to form a layer of agglomerate between the fabric and the concrete base structure, filling breaks in the fabric as well as any cracks in the concrete structure.

Assuming that the construction shown in Fig. 3 is to be water-proofed because of a crack, such as the crack 3I, then a hole may be drilled through thestructure 24 and a nipple 33 inserted for the injection of emulsion and agglomerant. The plastic agglomerato will form over a considerable area, as at 34 in Fig. 3, radiating from the drilling to provide a water-proof la-yer between the fabric and concrete and lling cracks or breaks to prevent leakage of water through cracks, fissures or voids in the concrete. A suicient number of drillings and injections may be made to provide a continuous layer of agglomerate over a desired area. If the character of the structure is such that` leakage of emulsion and relatively slow act-v ing de-emulsifying agent would occur, then sealing may be effected, as hereinbefore indicated,

by the use of a quick-acting de-emulsifying agent.

a structure to be water-proofed. In this case, a lead flashing 36 extends between layers of waterproof strips 31 and is intended. to drain into the gutter 38. If the'structure should permit leakage underneath the flashing, then it may be waterproofed by the use of my invention. To this end, I drill from underneath to the flashing and insert a nipple 39 for injection of emulsion and agglomerant. Preferably a quick-acting i ag' glomerant, such as calcium chloride, is first used after injecting emulsion to form stopper or sealing portions, such as the portion 40, after which injections of emulsion and slower actingagglomerant,

Asuoli as silicates, may be made to provide a water proof layer spreading out and closing oif leakage entrances to the space underneath the iiashing.

If there is a fairly free iiow passage underneath the flashing, as is likely to be the case with a structure of this kind, sealing or plugging is first vTo water-proof such a structure, I provide openof' the dashing where ingress of water usually takes place.

As hereinbefore indicated, after the injections are completed in the modes indicated in Figs. 3 and 4, the injection openings are preferably sealed, although the agglomerate may serve this purpose.

In Figs. 5 and 6, I show my invention applied to water-proofing a brick or masonry Wall `42. Such a wall, as shown in Fig. 6, ordinarily is constituted by inner and outer layers; and, frequently because of lack of ller or mortar in the space between the layers, the wall is not water-proof.

ings at suitable points, and insert nipples 43 in the openings, after which injections of emulsion and de-emulsiiier are made to secure the formation of a water-proof agglomerat in said space. To facilitate removal of emulsion or itumi'nous or asphalt material accidentally reaching and running down on the outer face 44 of the wall, the latter is ilrst painted with a water soluble medium such as silicate so that the latter forms a base film for the bituminous or asphaltic material; and, as the film is readily dissolved by means of water, the adhering material may be easily and rapidly removed. Also the injection openings are sealed. y

In Fig. 7, the invention is shown for sealing anv earth region, such vas indicated at 45, a pipe` or pipes 46 being inserted from the surface and- 'each pipe having openings 41 from which issue the media into the adjacent earth'material. ,In this way pervious earth portions may be rendered impervious for any suitable purpose, as, for example, about a well or for the provision of an underground water-tight wall.

Also, the invention applied in this way may be used to improve the foundation character of any suitable-earth or gravel formation.

While I prefer to use and referl herein to an emulsion of bituminous material or asphalt,-it is to be understood that any plastic organic medium capable of being emulsied and agglomerated may be used. For example, rubber and resinousemulsions may be used; however, as asphalt is economical, durable and relatively inert, I prefer to use it. The emulsion may be prepared in any suitable manner, for example, I have used aboutV asphalt and 40% water with a small amount of soap, Afor example, .1/2 to 1%, acting as 'a dispersion agent, it being understood that the proportions of asphalt and water are not critical, enough water being used to secure the desired iiuidity,

and the amount of soap being suiiicient to secure emulsication.

phalt is advantageous in that it is plasticy or exible, a less quantity thereof may be used compared to other media such as cement, it is non-corrosive and protects steel work with which it contacts, and it adheres readily to surfaces of various kinds, to fabrics and membranes.

. Anysuitable de-emulsifying agent or electrolyte may be used, for example, potassium or sodium siicate, preferablythe latter, are satisfactory. If preliminary sealingvor lling is required then any-of the modes herein proposed may be used: a

- loose earthl formation may receive a preliminary injection of emulsion followed by a quick-acting de-emulsifying agent, such as calcium chloride, after which cement grout may be injected; and, if desired, injections of a slower-acting de-emulsifying agent, such as silicate and. emulsion are then made; the emulsion may incorporate an inert and insoluble-mier; or voids or free passages may be plugged or sealed in any suitablel manner, as by the use oi. a quick-acting de-emulsifying agent, such as calcium chloride, which produces agvglomeration from the emulsion with suicient rapidity to secure sealing or plugging at desired points or places, after which lagglomeration from and ofa character best suited for the intended purpose. In some situations an injection or emulsion followed by silicate may be sufcient; and, in this connection, injections are made under pressure whose magnitude is dependent on circumstances, the objective being to get the media where required and suiiicient contact or mixture thereof to promote the desired agglomeration. In other situations, the de-emulsifying agent and emulsion may be repeatedly and successively injected, or injections of the two media may be made at the same time at points sufficiently close together to secure the desired de-emulsication.

'I'he term emulsion, as used herein, means any suitable organic material, such as asphalt, bituminous i'naterial, rubber, or resinous media, capable of being maintained in emulsion or dispersed by a suitable agent. The terms de-emulsii-ler or de-emulsiilcation-agent mean any suitable means or agency to render thev dispersion agent ineffective to provide for de-emulsllcation in situ,

and, for this purpose, a soluble inorganic salt v' ,having this eect on'the dispersion agent is prefl of soluble inorganic salts, electrolytes, or compounds which act either tb convert the soap into an insoluble-soap, such as calcium or aluminum soap, or athe soap may be forced out of solution, or salted out. Also, the term void region, as used herein, is intended to cover a cavity or a loose structure wherein particles are separated by voids and interstices, that is, a region capable of receive ing the emulsion and the de-emulsifier.

What-I claim is:

1. The methody of sealing a crack in a masonry wall structure comprising drilling openings in the structure at either side of the crack andmaking through the openings successive injections of an emulsion of organic plastic medium and a deemulsifying agent to effect de-emulsication or agglomeration of the organic medium so that the latter seals the crack.

2. 'I'he method of sealing 'a crack in a concrete wall structure comprising drilling openings inthe structure at either side of the'crack and making through the openings successive injections of organic plastic medium held in emulsion by soap in solution and oia solution of inorganic medium which is effectivel to render the soap incapable of holding the organic plastic medium in emulsion, whereby the organicplastic medium is 'de-emulsified or agglomerated at the region adjacent tc the crack so as to cover and seal the latter.

3. The method of sealing a 'crackl in a concrete vwall structure comprising drilling openings in the structure at eitherside of the.' crack and making,

through the openings, successive injections of plastic bituminous medium-held in emulsion by 4. The method of sealing a crack in a concrete Wall structure comprising drilling openingsI the region adjacent to the crack to cover and seall the latte-r. y

5. 'I'he method of sealing a crack in a concrete Wall structure contacting with earth at one side comprising drilling openings through the wall structure at either side of the crack; injecting medium through openings to form a pressureresisting backing structure disposed in the earth adjacent to the crack; and making successive injections, through theA openings into the region confined by the backing'structure, of an emulsion of plastic organic medium and of a de-emulsifying agent so'that plastic organic medium may be de-emulsified and agglomerated in said conlined region and adjacent to the crack so as to seal and cover the latter.

6. The method of sealing an opening in a wall structure contacting with earth at one side comprising ,providing one or Vmore second openings extending through the wall structure adjacent to the rst opening; arranging a nipple' in each second opening so that its discharge end is arranged to discharge into the earth region adjacent to the rst opening; making successive injections through one or more nipples, with the remaining nipple or nipples closed, of an emulsion of asphalt and of a de-gemulsifying agent so as to effect deemulsiflcation or agglomeration of the asphalt in said region so as to seal said first opening; removing the nipple or nipples; and sealing the "second openings.

l 1. The method of placing plastic organic medium in an inaccessible region of a structure comprising providing a plurality of passages in the structure to afford access to the region; forcing through lone or more passages, with the remaining passages closed, plastic medium held in emulsion by soap in solution; then forcing through one or more passages, with the remaining pasvsages closed, an inorganic medium in solution and which renders the soap incapable of holding the plastic medium in emulsion so as to de-emulsify or agglomerate the plastic medium; and finally sealing the passages.

8. vThe method of water-proong a wall structure by the provision of plastic organic medium interiorly Athereof which comprises providing one lor more openings from one face of the wall structure and extending interiorly thereof, injecting an emulsion of organic medium through one or more of said openings, and then injecting a de-emulsifying agent through one or more of the openings to act on the emulsion interiorly of the wall structure to cie-emulsify or agglomerate the medium in thelatter.

9. The method of water-proofing a wall struc# ture by the provision of organic plastic medium interiorly thereof which comprises providing one 'or more openings from one face of the Wall structure and extending interiorly thereof, placing a water soluble coating on said Wall face, injecting an emulsion of organic medium through one or ing a soluble coating on said wall face, injecting.

asphalt held in emulsion by a soap4 solution through one or mo're openings to the interior of the wall structure,.then in injecting a solution of inorganic material through one or more openings to the interior of the wall structure for action on the soap to render' the latter incapable of holding bituminous material in emulsion whereupon the latter de-emulsifies or agglomerates interiorly of the wall structure, filling the openings, and dissolving said coating on the Wall face to facilitate removal of any bituminous material adhering thereto. t r

11. The method of water-proofing an interior portion of a structure comprising providing for access to said portion, forcing into the portion an emulsion of organic plastic medium followed by a de-emulsifyig agent to produce sumciently 'rapid de-emulsiflcation or agglomeration of the plastic medium that the latter is effective to seal leakage passages from the region. and then successively forcing emulsion of organic plastic medium and a, relatively more slowly acting deemulsication'agent successively into the portion' to eiect de-emulsiiication or agglomeration in the latter.

12. The method of water-proofing an interior portion of a structure comprising providing for access to saidportion, forcing into the portion asphalt held in emulsion by soap in solution followed by a solution of calcium chloride or aluminum sulphate in order to eifect de-emulsication or ragglomeration of the asphalt with such rapidity that the asphalt is eective to seal the region, and then successively forcing asphalt held in emulsion by soap in solution and sodium or potassium silicate in order to effect de-emulsification and agglomeration of asphalt in the region.

13. The method of filling an inaccessible void region in a body which comprises boring a passage in the body to the void region, supplying an emulsion of organic medium through the bored passage to the void region, and then in supplying a de-emulsification agent through the passage to the void region .to bring about de-emulsiiication and agglomeration of the organic medium in the void region. l

14. The method of filling an inaccessible cavity in a structure which comprises providing a passage in the structure to the cavityfsupplying an emulsion of organic medium through the passage to the cavity, 'then in supplying a' de-emulsiflcation agent through thepassage to the cavity to bring about de-emulsiiicatio'n or agglomeration of organic medium on the cavity walls, and then in injecting medium through the passage to contact with the agglomeratedlayer of organic medium and to illl the remainingspace of the cavity.

JOHN MCKAY. 

